March 11, 2006

Box Score

WINONA, MINN. -- No. 3-seed Northern State used its size and inside play to defeat No. 6-seed Metro State, 72-67, in the first round of the NCAA North Central Regional, Saturday afternoon at McCown Gymnasium on the campus of Winona State University.

Metro State trailed by just three with 16 seconds to play but Michael Bahl's trey missed.

"We didn't get it done on the boards," said Roadrunner head coach Mike Dunlap. "Otherwise our system worked well but the bullet that hit us was the rebounding. It was the story of the game. It's been a great year and we should honor the game and our opponent."

Northern State's starting post players Aaron Busack and Matt Hammer combined for 42 points and 15 rebounds, including 25 points by Busack. The Wolves outrebounded Metro State for the game, 37-26.

Bahl led Metro State with 18 points, while Dustin Ballard and Greg Muth added 11 apiece. The Roadrunners shot 12-for-23 from three-point range and forced 15 turnovers, but were outscored at the free-throw line, 20-3, as the Wolves attempted 28 free throws and Metro State had just six tosses.

The Roadrunners trailed by six at the half but went on an 11-4 run to start the second half and led 41-40. Bahl had three quick treys in the second period.

"All the credit to Northern State," said guard Drew Williamson. "They had the scouting report right."

Metro State started the game up 11-3 but the Wolves went on a 17-3 run over a six-minute stretch and led 20-14. Northern State led by 11 with less than two minutes to play in the opening period but Metro State scored five points to cut the lead to just six at intermission. Northern State's size advantage was evident from the beginning of the game as the Wolves outrebounded Metro State, 21-9, in the first 20 minutes.

"Our rotation was a little slow today and they looked great on the inside," said Bahl.

With the win, Northern State improves to 26-5 overall, while Metro State finishes the season with an overall record of 21-10.